ESOCS Devotional 11 July 2021
TEXT: 2 KINGS 23:21-30
MEMORY VERSE: “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.” (2 Kings 23:25 KJV).
Josiah was the 16th king of Judah (in the Southern Kingdom). Although his father and grandfather were exceptionally wicked, his life was an example of God’s willingness to provide ongoing guidance to those who set out to be obedient. At a young age, he already understood there was spiritual sickness in the land. Idol and idol worshipping were fast spreading. He began his search for God by destroying and cleansing up whatever he recognized as not belonging to the worship of the true God. In the process, God’s word was rediscovered. His intention and God’s written revelation were brought together.
What was Josiah remembered for? He sought God and was open to Him. He cleansed the Temple and revived obedience to God’s Law. He destroyed all idols and idol worshiping centers in the land. He was a reformer like his great-grand father, Hezekiah. For his people, they responded well out of the respect they had for him; but failed to realize their own guilt before God and repent properly and genuinely.
The lessons from his life are that God consistently responds to those with repentant and humble hearts; and sweeping outward reforms are of little lasting value if there are no changes in people’s lives.
What would you be remembered for? What is your relationship with God like? Are your feeble efforts at holiness based on a desire to “go along” with the leader you love or popular opinion? Or are you, like Josiah, deeply humbled by God’s word? We will be remembered for our good or bad works when we die.
- Are you leading to leave a godly legacy? Are you a follower based on respect for God or man?
- Pray for God’s guidance for godly leadership and followership in our church.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 6:5; 2 kings 22; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 11 July 2021
